Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery: the dramatic Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline during departure, and during the long cruise southward, right-side passengers see the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Mexican coastline along the Pacific as the flight tracks down the western side of Mexico.
Flown LAX to OAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Oaxaca is 1,781 miles (2,867 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path tracks south-southeast from Los Angeles, passing over the Baja California Peninsula (visible from altitude as a narrow, arid landmass), then over the Pacific Ocean before approaching the Mexican mainland. The Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range runs parallel to the Pacific coast throughout central Mexico and is visible from the right side during the cruise phase. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a narrow land bridge in southern Mexico, becomes visible as the aircraft approaches Oaxaca from the north.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline during the initial climb-out westward before the aircraft turns south. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the sprawling Los Angeles basin.
Landing at OAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Oaxaca. The aircraft descends from the north, and left-side passengers see the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range and the Oaxaca Valley floor with its patchwork of agricultural fields and the city itself.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Xoxocotlan International (OAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Oaxaca. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery: the dramatic Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline during departure, and during the long cruise southward, right-side passengers see the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Mexican coastline along the Pacific as the flight tracks down the western side of Mexico.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline during the initial climb-out westward before the aircraft turns south. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the sprawling Los Angeles basin. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Malibu coastal communities.
What can I see when landing at Xoxocotlan International in Oaxaca?
When landing at Xoxocotlan International (OAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Oaxaca. The aircraft descends from the north, and left-side passengers see the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range and the Oaxaca Valley floor with its patchwork of agricultural fields and the city itself. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, Oaxaca Valley agricultural plains, Xoxocotlan city area, surrounding forested highlands.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Oaxaca?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Xoxocotlan International (OAX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,781 miles (2,867 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Oaxaca flight path pass over?
The flight path tracks south-southeast from Los Angeles, passing over the Baja California Peninsula (visible from altitude as a narrow, arid landmass), then over the Pacific Ocean before approaching the Mexican mainland. The Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range runs parallel to the Pacific coast throughout central Mexico and is visible from the right side during the cruise phase. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a narrow land bridge in southern Mexico, becomes visible as the aircraft approaches Oaxaca from the north.